CA1272421A - Compound force therapeutic corset and belt - Google Patents

Abstract

Inventor : JAMES D. CURLEE

Title : COMPOUND FORCE THERAPEUTIC
CORSET AND BELT

Abstract of the Disclosure Disclosed is an improved therapeutic corset and support belt adapted for the sacro-lumbar and thoracic region of the human body. The corset and belt comprise one or more flat envelopes of more or less rectangular configuration and are capable of receiving and storing fluid. The envelope(s) are provided with a plurality of vertical ribs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the envelopes, said ribs forming a series of inter-communicating inflatable cells. Said cells may be individually pressurized for application of various pressures on individual regions of the back. The envelope is capable of attachment to a belting or corseting material with fastening means and also possesses a means of introducing fluid into the envelope(s).

Description

~ X 7~4 Field of the Invention _.

The compound force therapeutic corset or support belt of the present invention relat~s generally to therapeutic support devices and more particularly to corset or belt appliances providiny pressurized support to the sacro, lumbar, and thoracic regions of ~he human back for the prevention and/or treatment of back injuries.

Background of the Invention _ The devices of the present invention are primarily designed to aid in the treatment of back injuries in which one or more vertebrae have been dis-placed or misaligned. AS is known, such injuries can cause pressure on the spinal nerve roots, resulting in severe pain and restriction of movement for th~ victim.
It is also commonly known that if a particular mis-aligned vertebra is realigned in conjunction with the residual, properly aligned vertebrae, the pressure on the spinal nerve is alleviated and the pain suffered by the victim is relieved.

Such realignment of misaligned vertebrae is normally accomplished by the application of pressure to the afflicted area of the body. In accordance with these principles, prior art therapeutic appliances have been developed to provide such counterpressure to the afflicted area as is required.

Material Information Disclosure -Many of the prior art appliances utilize an inflatable bladder means that seek to exert counter-pressure at precise body locations as a result of theinflated expansion thereof. ~.S. Patent 4,135,503, to ::. q iq~

Romano, or example, discloses the use of an inflatable bladder affixed between a rigid base plate and an apertured template plate. French Patent 1,461,408, to Gross, discloses an in~latable bladder a~ixed to a rigid belting material. U.S. Patent 4,178,922, to Curlee, discloses an inflatable bladder means inserted within a one-piece synthetic plastic body encircling member.

Support appliances such as those cited above utilize rigid metal or plastic ribs or backing. Such rigidity is disadvantageous because the appliance cannot yield in order to accommodate the wide range of motions of a human back.
Furthermore, such backing, employing rigid stays, ribs, and support backing, is generally designed to prevent most movement. This results not only in extreme discomfort to the wearer, but such lack o movement has been known to weaken muscles after the prolonged use o~ such devices.
Further, such prior art devices either cannot provide variations o pressurized support to specific areas o the spinal column or do so only at the expense o providing cumbersome inserts to vary pressure at given locations.

The device of the present invention overcomes these and other disadvantages by providing a compound force sacro-lumbar and thoracic support that provides both abdominal and back support, allows supported movement throughout the wide range of motion, as well as providing adjustable support to accommodate di~erent pressure requirements for various regions o the spinal column.

Previous inventions dealing with back support by the inventor have centered around the use of inElatable cells which press upon the back in a predetermined manner and position~ This predictability of contact and positioning was achieved by means of sectioning off a bladder into several communicating parts and also by attaching rigid or semi-rigid material to the bladder to control its shape and movement under the pressure of inflation.

After much experimentation with bladder sections and shapes, plus various methods of attachment to a belt or corseting material, a surprising and very desirable effect upon the body was found to occur during inflation of the bladder. A two-way force effect is brought about by (1) inflation of the specially designed bladder forming a rigid yet flexible support structure across the back and (2) simultaneous tightening of the belt or corset material (strapped or buckled in a conventional manner in front or side) which occurs from the rear.
This highly desirable simultaneous compound force acting on the wearer's body pushes against the back and pu115 the abdominal wall toward the spine. The wai6t is not 50 much squeezed or pinched in as usually happens when the two ends of a belt are brought together. Rather, drawing the belt tighter from a point on either side of the spine at the rear of the back reduces pinching force and enhances purely structural support in front.

The desiyn elements which make the compound force possible are defined as follows. A flat envelope is sectioned into a series of vertical ribs along a more or less rectangular plane, the length of the entire envelope being much longer than its height, which make up a series of multiple pressure cells which inflate to a series of vertical tubular ribs. The ends of the envelope are sewn~or suitably attached to a belting or ~.2'7~

corseting material. When the belt or corset material is affixed in front by belt buckles, snaps, hooks or other suitable means, and the envelope is inflated, the compound force takes place. The ribs inflate and the overall length of the envelope shrinks. This draws the belt or corset tighter around the waist, pulling the abdomen inward toward the spine.

The envelope always shrinks along a line perpen-dicular to the tubular length of the inflating ribs.
i~ The amount of air pressure inside the envelope deter-mines the amount of shrinkage. The degree of shrinkage along the length of the envelope is also determined by the shape and volume of each ribbed segment. For instance, an envelope measuring 18 inches wide by 6 inches high will inflate to a tubular shape with minimal shrink along its longest length. It will also diminish somewhat in height. In order to achieve significant shrinkage, it is necessary to seam or section the envelope into numerous divisions, each perpendicular to the direction of shrinkage (from end to end of the 18 inches). Thus, an envelope with seams one inch apart, with a small air passage from section to section will inflate 18 individual tube~. This has the effect of roughly maintaining the 6" height but causing signifi-cant shrinkage from end to end of several inche~ alongits longest measurement. Shrinkage in one direction only is extremely valuable in the application for back support. The ribs maintain their roughly 6 inches of height, top to bottom and thereby offer support to the back parallel to the spine~ Another desirable effect of the shrinkage is to make each inflated tubular shaped rib bow inward in a concave manner to conform to the concave shape of the human anatomy. The constant tension of the shrink effect insures that the tubular ribs will always conform to the anatomy during a full range of movement such as bending forward, which rapidly ~t7~

changes the anatomy of the back from concave to convex. As the array of vertical tubes wrap around the wearer's back, the stabilizing effect of their individual resiliency will not be lost. Support appliances with rigid metal or plastic ribs do not provide support for the back throughout a wide range of motion, because once bent or set in a particular curve, they will not yield. But a back support which both supports and allows supportive movement throughout a wide range of motion is far more therapeutic. Rigid stays, ribs, plastic shapes, etc., found in common back support devices are there to prevent most movement. It is not only extremely uncomfortable to the patient but lack of movement has been found to weaken muscles with prolonged wear. The rigidity of each inflated vertical tube is quite substantial on its own and has been found to provide adequate support without the aid of metal or plastic stiffeners. By eliminating fixed rigid support elements there is greater comfort and mobility.
Not only is the air pressure within each tubular rib responsible for its ability to act as a support structure, somewhat parallel to the spine, but the actual contact of each tube serves to act on the spindle mechanism of muscle tissue and thereby force spasmed muscles to relax. Tight, unyielding muscles which have contracted involuntarily present a particular danger - tender mussle tissue is apt to rip and tear as the person bends or reaches. A ballistic stretch occurs. Such constant trauma to the muscular support system of the back weakens entire muscle groups and throws extra strain on support ligaments which have very little resiliency on their own. Therefore, it is important that back muscles remain flexible and able to naturally elongate as body movement dictates. Multiple pressure points provided by the numerous in~lated ribs help maintain flexibility by virtue o~ the substantial pressure each inflated section provides. This is not possible with ordinary back supports.
Variation of Shapes. The actual sectioning of the envelope, whether shaped as a rectangle, oval, square, or other multi-sided design can take on variations of the ribs themselves. The direction of the ribs do not have to be precisely perpendicular to the direction of shrinkage, nor must the tubes be perfectly straiyht. They may curve in a variety of directions with a mixture of designs within one envelope. The exact number of tubes within the envelope may vary along with individual size. There may be areas of the envelope which do not inflate. The tubes or ribs may be made in any suitable manner, not necessarily limited to two flat pieces of material which is then sealed into the appropriate sections. The preferred shape is rectangular.
Belting or Corseting. The inflatable envelope with its various chambers can be attached to practically anything which binds around the individual. This can be a simple belt, corset, yarment, wrap, sash, surgical dressing or tape. The free ends of the envelope can be sewn, stapled, riveted, or attached in any suitable fashion. The envelope can even be glued over its entire area within a belt or wrap. The finished assembly of envelope and belt or wrap may be all that is needed to do the job or this assembly can be converted over or completely hidden within a suitable material, padded or unpadded.
Air Access~ A major consideration is the placement of a valve(s) or air pump which makes it easy and practical ~or the wearer to inflate the envelope.

To make the belt ergonomically practical in terms of its function for sports, work, and relaxation, a preferred place was found at which point a pump/relief valve could be permanently affixed. This is located at an angle ~ few degrees either side of where the person's arms naturally hang. If it is more than a few inches toward the rear, the pump and valve will be difficult to reach. If the pump/valve mechanism is too far forward, it will interfere with lif~ing of objects. The position described does not interfere with sitting or lifting of objects. A tube protrudes from the bladder, through the belting material and/or covering, if any, to which a pump/valve assembly is attached. The position can be either right hand or left hand.

For the belt or corset which has only a check valve connection Eor hook up to a squeeze pump, the best location has been found to be a few inches to the left or right of the front center of the body. This position of the check valve allows easy insertion of the pump and best position of the hand for inflation. The ideal position for the check valve is near the top edge of the belt or corset where it can be easily seen by the wearer.

A tube leads from the air envelope forward around the side and protrudes through the belting or covering material. A check valve is affixed where it can be held in one hand and a squeeze pump can be inserted for inflation by the other hand. When the pump nozzle is taken away, the air remains inside the envelope. A pocket can be provided in which the valve may be kept from dangling loosely.

If the check valve i5 placed more than 5 or 6 inches to the rear of center, in front of the wearer (depending on the size of the wearer's waist) r insertion of the pump nozxle and actual squeezing of the bulb becomes more difficult. The valve may be placed either right or left of front center.

Another important placement of the valve is directly in the center of the back or a few inches t~
either side. This allows the belt or corset to be inflated hy another person, such as a nurse in an opera-tion room. Doctors and nurses wear operating gowns which tie together up the back. Placement at the back allows another person to 51ip the nozzle into the valve through the opening of the gown.

When the belt or corset is worn inside regular clothing, placement of a valve at the front as described above allows a person to reach the valve through the opening in a blouse or shirt, usually by undoing no more than one button. Thus, the wearer need not disrobe simply to change the tightness of the belt or corset.

Summary of the Invention This invention is a compound force ~acro~
lumbar support corset or belt with an inflatable envelope which has been sectioned off in such a manner as to make it shrlnk significantly along a single axis while maintaining the dimension more or less along another axis usually perpendicular to the first.

The envelope, when attached to a belting or corset material at the two contracting ends, will ~pull"
the belting or corset tighter about the wearer's waist from points at either side of the center of the rear.
The effect is to increase abdominal pressure while at the same time apply predetermined pressure points at the back. An increase of abdominal pressure is desirable during lifting as it decreases pressure within the ~7~

_g lumbar discs, Concentrated pressure points from the sectioned envelope, as they expand under air pressure, are desirable for the effect they have on releasing the tension within spasmed back muscles. The pressure points work on the muscle' 5 spindle mechanism to signal a return to a normal, relaxed~ or elongated state.
Preventing spasms in the back not only reduces the pain of backache, but it prevents the chance of ripping and tearing of muscle tissue due to a ballistic stretch or 1`0 overextension of muscle tissue. The compound action of expanding air cells and simultaneous tightening of the belt or corset assures constant contact during a full range of bodily motion between the back and the expanding tubular air cells. When the back is straight, it has a natural concave shape which the vertical tubes assume. When a person bends over, the back assumes a convex shape which the inflated tubular ribs conform with. Thus, the wearer has a stabilizing support regardless of movement. This is in stark contrast to other back supports which tend to restrict movement.
They have preformed metal ribs or plastic inserts which lose their ability to properly contact the back during a full range of movement or they do not allow the movement at all. Some support devices actually become loose during certain movements and all contact with the back can be lost at the critical areas. However, the shrink effect assures that the belt or corset will always be in tension regardless of bending or stretching and thereby keep the important points of contact for stability and support.

The flexible yet sufficiently rigid inflated vertical ribs eliminate the need for stiffeners such as metal or plastic which cannot adapt to the changing contours of the body during motion.

~7~

Planned, ergonomic placement of the air pump and/or check valve makes air inflation and function of the belt or corset easy and convenient. One need not disrobe to increase or release tension as required with most other supports when worn under regular clothing.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a plurality of inflatable envelopes that are sectioned into a series of vertical ribs along a more or less rectangular plane, the length of each envelope being much longer than its height.
Said ribs result in the formation of a plurality of intercommunicating pressure cells which inflate to a series of tubular supports. The ends of the envelope are sewn or suitably attached to corset or belt material. Said corset or belt material is provided with a means of attaching itself around the waist of the wearer. A means of introducing fluid into each envelope is provided, either independently, or through communi-cation with a receiving envelope, whereupon said ribs inflate, resulting in a shrinkage of the overall length of the envelopes. Said shrinkage draws the corset tighter around the waist of the wearer, thereby providing concurrent support to the spinal area as well as to the abdominal area.

Description of the Figures Various additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures, to wit:

Figure 1 i5 a perspective view of the compound force therapeutic corset (1b) and support belt (la).

x-~

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inflatable envelope both before and after the introduction of fluid.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the support belt (3a) and compund force therapeutic corset (3b) after inflation.

Figure 4 (a-d) shows an expanded bladder with tubular ribs expanded against the back to form a rigid yet pliable support for the back to form a compound support action.

Specific Description of the Invention As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the compound force therapeutic corset or beltr generally designated as 10, is comprised of belting material 11 capable of wrapping around the waist of the wearer. In the case of the corset, Figure 1b~ the invention may include a series of envelopes, disposed in a parallel configura-tion along the horizontal axis of the corset 10. Each envelope 12 may be disposed either upon or within the belting material 11 at a point that would insure contact with the wearer. In the preferred embodimentt the envelope or envelopes 12 are of substantially rectangular configuration. The length of each envelope is approximately 3-5 times the width. The envelope 12 is secured to the belting material 11 at points 13 and 14, along the extreme ends of the envelope by stitching, adhesives, or other suitable means~ The envelopes may also be glued over the entire area to the belting material. In alternative embodiments, the envelope may be disposed within a multi-ply belting material, or may also be constructed so that the envelope material itself, which must possess a low coefficient of stretch-abilityt extends beyond the area of inflation, to form 4;~:~

the belting material. The envelope portion is defined by stitching, adhesives, or other suitable means capable of forming a bladder for the reception and retention of fluid.

As shown in Figure 1b, each of the envelopes 12 may be independently constructed with its own belting material and then secured to each other at points 15 along the longitudinal portion of the perimeter by stitching or other suitable means. In the preferred embodiment ~illustrated) the corset is constructed from a unitary material whereon each envelope is defined by stitching or other suitable means. Each envelope may have its own port for the introduction of fluid therein or each envelope may communicate with the others so as to require only a single means for the introduction of fluid.

As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the corset or belt 10 is provided with an air pump 16 used in conjunc-tion with a check valve 17, said valve 17 being adapted to removably receive said pump 16 for the introduction and retention of fluid within the envelope 12. A
flexible tube means 18 is also provided, said tube connecting an entry port 30 with the check valve 17.

In its preferred embodiment, said tube 18 is disposed within the belting material around the side of the wearer. An opening 19 is provided in the belting material 11 through which the tube 18 protrudes and check valve 17 is attached. In an embodiment in which each of the envelopes do not communicate, a check valve may be disposed at the entry port of each envelope, and a single tube or air pump may be removably secured for the purpose of introducing fluid therein. In Figure 1a, the belting material is further provided with a tubular protrusion 20 suitable for removably engaging and securing air pump 16. Protrusion 20 may be constructed of a unitary material with said belt 11. The belting material 11 may be secured about the wearer by ~ELCRO strips 32 or any suitable securing mQans.
Figure 2 shows an envelope portion 12 of the compound force therapeutic corset or belt in both its uninflated 21 and inflated 22 state. The envelope 12 can be constructed of any suitable material that is air-tight and possessing a low coefficient of stretchability. The envelope 12 is provided with a series of ribs 23 more or less parallel to each other and being more or less perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the envelope. Said ribs need not be precisely perpendicular to said axis but may be adjusted slightly to accommodate variations in design such as mild curves in essentially perpendicular alignment. The disposi-tion of the ribs may also vary from envelope to envelope.
Said ribs 23 may be formed by any suitable means such as stitching, adhesives, or other types of sealing.
Upon inflation 22, it can be seen that the ribs 23 form a series of intercommunicating inflated cells 24, which are of nesting, essentially parallel configuration, essenti-ally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the envelope 12. Upon inflation 22, the envelope 12 will shrink along a line perpendicular to the tubular length of the inflated cells 24, the amount of air pressure inside the envelope 12 determining the amount of shrinkage. The degree of shrinkage along the length of the envelope 12 is also determined by the shape and volume of each ribbed cell.
Thus, the amount of pressure and the degree of shrinkage can be controlled and varied as to each envelope by varying the amount of fluid introduced and/or varying the shape and volume of each ribbed cell. An additional effect of shrinkage is to cause each inflated cell to assume a 4~

bowed shape to conform to the concave shape of the human back.

The advantages of the shrinking effect can be best understood by turning to Figure 3a and 3b wherein the compound force therapeutic corset or belt can be seen as inflated 40. The envelopes 12r when attached to the belting material 11 at the two contracting ends 13 and 14, will pull the belting material 11 tighter about the wearer's waist from points 13 and 14 at either side of the center of the rear of the corset. The effect is to increase abdominal pressure while at the same time provide predetermined pressure to points along the spinal column. An increase in abdominal pressure is desirable during lifting by the wearer as it decreases pressure between the lumbar discs. Pressure from the inflated cells is desirable for the effect it has on releasing tension within spasmed back muscles, said pressure points affecting the muscle's spindle mechanism to signal a return to a relaxed, elongated state~ This compound action of expanding air cells and simultaneous tightening of the belting material 11 results in con-stant contact with the afflicted areas during a full range of bodily motion by conforming to the variations in shape of the back during activit~.

The compound support action can be seen in Figure 4a wherein the belt is shown wrapped snuggly around the waist of a human body. Air is introduced into the bladder and the compound, simultaneous action takes place. Shrinkage from points at the rear of the belt pulls on the stomach/abdomen for extra support.
Tubular ribs expand against the back to form a rigid yet pliable support for the back. Figure 4b shows a side view of the tubular support rib; bladder material expands under pressure and each sectioned area forms a rigid rib which presses against the back. The amount of ~7 rigidity and support is controlled to an infinite degree by the amount of air pressure introduced. These tubular ribs conform to the concave shape of the back (Figure 4c) when made part of a belt or corset. Under pressuri-zation, they constitute an effective support for thesacro-lumbar area. When a person bends forward, the curvature becomes convex and the tubular ribs conform automatically when part of a belt or corset. The shrink effect keeps the belt in constant tension and thus keeps the ribs against the back.

Claims (2)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A compound force sacro-lumbar support corset comprising at least two inflatable envelopes, each of said envelopes being divided into a multitude of intercommunicating, parallel ribs disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said corset, means to introduce fluid to said envelopes and to retain said fluid within said envelopes, upon introduction of fluid, said envelopes shrinking along their lengths and said ribs contacting the wearer and providing lines of pressure in the sacro-lumbar region, said envelopes being constructed of a material having relatively no stretchability compared to the amount of shrinkage, said shrinkage and said ribs being the only means of support to the sacro-lumbar region, means to secure said envelopes to said wearer, said means to secure being flexible straps.

2. A compound force sacro-lumbar support belt comprising an inflatable envelope, said envelope being divided into a multitude of intercommunicating, parallel ribs disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said belt, means to introduce fluid to said envelope and to retain said fluid within said envelope, upon introduction of fluid said envelope shrinking along its length and said ribs contacting the wearer and providing lines of pressure in the sacro-lumbar region, said envelope being constructed of a material having relatively no stretchability compared to the amount of shrinkage, said shrinkage and said ribs being the only means of support to the sacro-lumbar region, means to secure said envelope to said wearer, said means to secure being two flexible straps.